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The Brazilian must simply work hard to win back his starting spot with the Spanish giants, according to his manager

Friday, 11th January 2019 08:03:00 AM

Ernesto Valverde urged Philippe Coutinho to continue fighting for his position following the playmakers goal-scoring return to Barcelonas starting XI.

Coutinho started a domestic match for the first time since December 2 and converted an 85th-minute penalty as a much-changed Barca lost 2-1 at Levante in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

The Brazil stars goal - his first since the 5-1 crushing of Real Madrid in October - gave the holders reason for optimism ahead of next weeks return leg, having fallen two goals behind in the opening 18 minutes at Ciutat de Valencia.

Ousmane Dembele joined Coutinho in completing a full 90 minutes and the Blaugrana boss insisted he was satisfied with both players, while encouraging them to press for continued opportunities.